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MexicoMexico | Rainforest Alliance Projects | Sustainable Forestry | Sustainable Coffee | Eco-Index | Join Us! About MexicoMexico is one of the most biologically diverse nations in the world, and the third largest country in Latin America. Comprised of five different ecosystems, Mexico remains a bastion of biodiversity. It claims 10% of the planet's total land species, and is ranked first in terms of reptile population with over 700 different species present. Not limited to terrestrial species, dense populations of fish and birds contribute to Mexico's natural wealth as well. Over 500 fish and nearly 800 different bird species dwell within its borders. Amphibians complete the spectrum, rounding out at over 300 species.
Fauna are not the only indicators of strength in numbers. Mexico's endemic higher plant species number over 12,000. The vast Chihuahuan Desert contains one quarter of the world's cactus species and covers over 250,000 square miles. Dry forest covers nearly 30% of Mexico's land, with Pine and Oak species accounting for over 16%. One half of the world's known pine species are a part of this great treasure. These dense forested tracts remain the largest expanse of tropical dry forest north of the equator. Mexico is not known for its biological diversity alone. More than 60 indigenous groups account for over half of the total population. As a result, various Mayan, Nahuatl , and other regional indigenous languages demonstrate Mexico's rich ethnic diversity. With a total population of over one hundred million people, Mexico's wealth of natural resources is under strain. The country faces several challenges in striking a balance between subsistence and sustainability. Perhaps the most crucial of these challenges is clean water. Limited waste disposal facilities coupled with pollution of natural fresh water supplies poses a grave threat to its people, so much so that the government of Mexico considers a lack of clean water a national security issue. Rapid deforestation is another great concern. The dry forests that cover one third of Mexico's land are disappearing at an alarming rate. To date, 50% of these areas have been cleared. Sources:
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